December 2019 Young Children Bulletin

Good Morning fellow Kiwanians!

Fact: Medical equipment, treatment and facilities designed for adults just don't fit when treating an ill or injured child.

Fact: It costs around four times as much money to treat a child as it does to treat an adult with the same ailment.

CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITALS AND KIWANIS….A STRONG PARTNERSHIP

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals was founded with the sole purpose to help as many children as possible by raising funds for children’s hospitals and keep funds in the community in which they were raised to help local children.

The organization was founded by Marie Osmond and her family, and John Schneider, Mick Shannon and Joe Lake.

Kiwanis International was the first association based sponsor of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, joining the charity as a partner in 1982. Key Club and the many other arms of Kiwanis joined later on as they became recognized programs of Kiwanis.

In 1997, Key Club made Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals an official charity of choice for their members to support. Kiwanis-raised funds have enabled the networks' 170 member hospitals to provide medical care, research, and education to benefit children. Since 1983 Kiwanis has donated more than $25 million to CMN hospitals. CMN hospitals train 60% of pediatricians and 80% of all pediatric specialists.

HOW CMN HOSPITALS WORK?

To provide the best care for kids, children’s hospitals rely on donations and community support, as Medicaid and insurance programs do not fully cover the cost of care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has helped fill those funding gaps by raising more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through Miracle Balloon icon campaigns. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.

EVERY DAY CMN HOSPITALS TREAT:
Kids with Trauma 16,200
Kids with Diabetes 935
Kids with Cancer 2,128
Kids for Surgeries 2329
Babies in NICU 925

DID YOU KNOW?

• 62 Children enter a CMN Hospital every minute
• 1 IN 10 Children in North America are treated by a CMN Hospital each year
• 32 MILLION Patients visits are provided for 10 million kids every year by CMN Hospitals

There are 6 CMN Hospitals in New England.

• Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA. serves eastern MA and eastern and southern New Hampshire
• Baystate Children's Hospital, Springfield, MA.
• Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center in Portland, ME. serving children and families from all over northern New England.
• Vermont Children Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, VT.
• Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT.
• Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence RI.

How Can Kiwanis Clubs Help?

If your Club is located near a CMN Hospital, contact an administrator and ASK how your Kiwanis Club can help. Many volunteers are needed to help at the information desk etc.

Here is a brief description of the two main roles which are open to volunteer applicants.

Inpatient/Clinic Volunteers - Interact with patients, siblings and families at the bedside, in the playroom or waiting room area to provide opportunities for developmentally appropriate play and socialization which may include holding infants/toddler, engaging in art, reading and taking part in structured activities with patients. Additionally, the volunteer would assist their supervisor with any other needs, such as unit programming, preparing materials for special events and helping organize and maintain a safe, clean environment while assisting with toy washing.

Customer Service Volunteers - Create welcoming atmosphere at main entrance of hospital and provide way finding assistance to all patients, families and guests. Assist patients and families at time of discharge from the hospital. Additionally, customer service volunteers engage with patients and siblings through play-based activities in the Hale Family Center for Families.

Volunteers are allowed to play with children or to complete non-medical tasks.

Fundraising ideas:

1) Organize a "Miracle Mile of Quarters" fundraiser

2) Organize "Duck Races" with your Key Club

3) Sell "Miracle Balloons"

4) Organize a Blood Drive/give blood.

Support -

Celebrate National Pancake Day® at IHOP® and get a FREE short stack of our Original Buttermilk Pancakes!

February 25, 2020

In return, IHOP asks that you make a donation to their charitable partners. Every stack served helps reach the goal of raising $3.5 million for children battling critical illnesses. Proceeds support CMN Hospitals, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO LOCAL CMN HOSPITALS!

Official National Pancake Day® Volunteer

On February 25, 2020 club members can support National Pancake Day by serving as ambassadors to encourage restaurant patrons to support Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. Beginning each January, watch for information from Kiwanis International about registering to volunteer on National Pancake Day.

For more information go to:
childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org


Ava Adams, District Chair
Young Children Committee
Member, Kiwanis international
Committee on Young Children
Scarborough Maine Kiwanis Club
New England and Bermuda District of Kiwanis
email: faithava2008@yahoo.com

November 2019 Young Children Newsletter

THE MARCH OF DIMES (MOD) : A GREAT PARTNERSHIP

Good morning fellow Kiwanians!

As many of you know I was born prematurely at 6 months. I have dealt with impaired vision issues my whole life due to impaired development from premature birth. As a result, I am passionate about the March of Dimes and their mission and programs. I hope this newsletter inspires you to work with MOD. To improve the lives of pregnant women and babies in your community.

Fact: 13% of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) has been attributed to smoking during pregnancy or after birth.
Fact: Every year more than 2.1 million babies are born prematurely or with birth defects throughout the world.
Fact: 100% of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders(FASD) are 100% preventable.
Fact: Every year 2 million children die worldwide because they were not immunized.

• Some children  born today die or suffer needlessly in spite of the medicines and technology available.Many will die because their mothers didn't know how to take care of themselves during pregnancy; they have poor eating habits, smoke, drink alcohol or even take drugs. Other children will be handicapped permanently by their mothers' lifestyles. 
• Some babies won't be seen by doctors for checkups and won't be immunized. Others will suffer from being "shaken" they may suffer permanent disabilities or die. As Kiwanians there is much we can do.

We can educate the public!

Brochures available from the March of Dimes:

(marchofdimes.org)

PRETERM LABOR identifies preterm labor, why it is important to know about it, risk factors, signs of preterm labor and what to do.

NEWBORN CARE deals with getting ready for the baby, baby's first checkup, feeding your baby, after baby comes home, when baby is sick, and vaccination information.
Distribute to: doctor's offices, clinics, grocery stores,  hospitals that provide parent education classes for pregnant women and mother support groups, health fairs.

OTHER PROJECT IDEAS FROM MOD: 

•  Provide prenatal health-care at work

The March of Dimes has developed a series of nine seminars, titled “Babies and You,” designed for presentation during lunch hours or other periods of the workday. These seminars educate potential parents about lifestyle behaviors that can affect a pregnancy and encourage early and regular prenatal care. Many employers have begun to realize that their companies benefit from programs that improve the pregnancy outcome of workers.

A Kiwanis club could be the catalyst to bring the “Babies and You” seminars to a community. The club can work with small businesses in the community to organize a class of employees for the seminars. The “Babies and You” seminars are conducted by local March of Dimes offices. To find the nearest March of Dimes office, contact the Fulfillment Center of the March of Dimes at 800-367-6630 or www.marchofdimes.com.

OTHER PROJECT IDEAS:

Set up a health screening or free clinic.

•  Contact the Department of Public Health in your area and ask if members can assist with their established programs.

 Develop a smoking awareness campaign for pregnant women
A public health expert has estimated that infant mortality would decrease by 10 percent if all pregnant women quit smoking. However, many pregnant smokers don’t know they are hurting their babies or the degree to which developing fetuses can be damaged.
There is much work to be done. Just think - how many lives can we save or improve by going out and educating the public.

Finally, November is when the March of Dimes focuses everyone's attention on the impact premature birth has on babies and families. Throughout the month of November and on World Prematurity Day, November 17, Kiwanis International supports the March of Dimes by raising public awareness of the seriousness of premature birth. Members are encouraged to wear purple to their November meetings, joining in local March of Dimes awareness events, and hosting a guest speaker to share their prematurity story.


Sincerely,
Ava Adams, District Chair
 Young Children Committee
Scarborough, Maine Kiwanis
New England Bermuda District
email: faithava2008@yahoo.com

October 2019 Young Children Newsletter

Good Morning Fellow Kiwanians!

I am the New England District Chair for YOUNG CHILDREN. This program focuses on the needs of young children with an emphasis on infants and youngsters ages 0 to 8)

I have been your District Chair for 8 years, and I am passionate about educating new parents to promote optimal health and brain development in their babies along with preventing trauma in their lives.

This month I am focusing on materials available from:
KIWANIS PEDIATRIC TRAUMA INSTITUTE (KPTI) at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Materials for Young Children projects will be provided from KPTI at no charge to your club. More information and an order form can be found at: www.kpti.org
Materials available for service projects:

1. EARLY CHILDHOOD INJURY PREVENTION KITS include Bath Safety Duck to test water temperature, Car seat information sticker, Car seat and seat belt information card, Shaken baby information card, "Keeping the Promise" window safety brochure, Burn prevention brochure, Home safety checklist booklet, Electric outlet covers(24 pk).

These materials are delivered to the Kiwanis Club and need to be put together in a plastic bag which is also provided with the materials. Then the Kits need to be delivered. Possible distribution to: Day Care Centers, Day Care Homes, Mother's Groups, Hospitals with Birthing Centers, Health Clinics, Pediatricians' offices, any facility that provides prenatal classes or care for expectant mothers.

EACH CLUB IS ALLOWED 200 KITS ANNUALLY FOR DISTRIBUTION.

2. BIKE HELMET EMERGENCY CONTACT STICKER (put inside helmet)
Possible distribution: public schools, bike shops, stores (WalMart, Target), police and/or fire departments.

3. CHILD SAFETY SEAT STICKERS which provide emergency contact information & Dr. contact. Possible distribution: Fire and/or Police Dept. when they conduct proper installation of car seats, at a pre-school, hospitals, clinics, ambulance companies, doctors' offices.

4. BIKE RODEO MANUAL & I'M SAFE ON MY BIKE IN NEW ENGLAND
Children and families learn about bike safety; COMPLETE RODEO MANUAL provides all information needed to organize and set up a rodeo.

HELMETS are available at reduced cost. Also provided: bike safety information handouts, helmet reflectors, identification stickers and much more. Kiwanis Clubs can partner with the Police/Fire Department and hold a Bike Rodeo Day. more info at: www.kpti.org

5. ELECTRICAL OUTLET COVERS are available in a 24 pack. Possible distribution: Parent Education Classes, Clinics, Pediatrician's Offices

6. MORE SAFETY BROCHURES FROM KPTI (available in English, Spanish, Chinese)

• Window Safety Brochure
• Summer Safety Brochure
• Pedestrian Safety Brochure
• Water Safety Brochure
• Holiday/Winter Safety Brochure
• Fire Safety Brochure
• After School Safety Brochure

FIRST AID/CPR CRART FOR PARENTS FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS. For Kiwanis clubs, to be distributed to pediatrician’s offices, parenting groups and also can be handed out at club events for the public.
Possible Distribution: Schools, Clinics, Doctor's Offices, Police/Fire Department, Health Fair, Holiday Fair.

7. BIKE SAFETY
Bike Safety Packet which includes Inspection Checklist, State Bike Helmet Law & Five Common Accidents, Message to Parents, Teachers and Motorists and Easy Steps to Properly fit a Bike Helmet, and more!

Possible Distribution: Day Care Centers, Doctor's Offices, Bike Shops, Police/Fire Departments, Schools

8. CONCUSSION INFORMATION FOR COACHES AND PARENTS
Heads Up Concussion in Youth Sports is a Center for Disease Control (CDC) program to bring awareness to the dangers of head trauma in young people, particularly those in youth sports.

Available are sheets for athletes, parents (teachers) and coaches with information about:

• What a concussion is
• What are the symptoms
• Prevention and preparedness
• What to do if you suspect a concussion
• Athlete and parent fact sheets are in English and Spanish.

This information can be distributed to High School and Middle School athletic coaches who then can distribute this valuable information to parents of student involved with contact sports.

9. BULLYING PREVENTION TIPS FOR KIDS AND TEENS(PAMPHLET)
Bully Free Zone(ACTIVITY BOOKLET)
Inspire bully-free attitudes and actions with the Bully-Free Zone Activity Book for kids ages 9-13.
Reviewed by experts, Bully-Free Zone was created by Child Safety Solutions and integrates fun with key bullying prevention messages, including:

• What bullying is.
• How to know if you are a bully and what you can do about it.
• Ways to stop a bully from bothering you.
• How to deal with cyberbullying.
• How to make your school a bully-free zone.

Featuring tweens talking to tweens, this colorful booklet gives kids the opportunity to collect "Big Bonus Points" and stay away from "Big Damage Points" as they work through bullying-prevention activities.

These booklets can be distributed to schools, after school programs, youth sports organizations, PTA, and parent groups.

Bullying can happen at any age. These materials can be distributed to school administrators who then can decide how and with what age group to used.

Many communities have Arts and Crafts Fairs in November and December. Consider having a table at a Holiday Fair. It can serve two purposes:
1. Distribution of safety brochures and
2. Provide information about your Kiwanis Club and attract potential new members to learn about your Club.

I'm sure many of you can come up with more creative ways in which to distribute these materials. I hope that your Club will take advantage of the materials available through KPTI and will start a new project this year. Prevention is the key to keeping our children healthy. Education is the key to healthy families and we, as Kiwanians, need to educate families in our communities.; saving lives one community at a time!

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or comments and also let me know what Children and Youth Services projects your Kiwanis Clubs are doing!

And if your Club is currently using materials from KPTI consider making a donation to the Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) which supports KPTI.
A REMINDER FOR HALLOWEEN/TRICK OR TREAT FOR UNICEF:
If your Club sponsors a Key Club or a Builders Club encourage members to think about organizing a Trick or Treat for UNICEF Project for next year, or at least put it at the top of the list for projects for next fall. Kits can be ordered at 1-800-KIWANISX411.

There is information and resources available at: http://youth.unicefusa.org/trickortreat/ to help a club get started. And funds raised for Trick or Treat for UNICEF through Kiwanis can be designated to go to the ELIMINATE PROJECT! When Kiwanis youth members participate in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF America's kids help kids the world over. Let's encourage all of our Kiwanis youth members to participate in Trick or Treat for UNICEF; I can't think of a better way to empower, educate and inspire our youth.

And if your Service Leadership Programs are already collecting for Trick or Treat for UNICEF, then children around the world thank them and the Kiwanis Family thanks them for a job well done!

I am YOUR District Chair. Please feel free to contact me with question. Or if you would like me to visit your Club/Division with Project ideas, please contact me. And please share with me anyYoung Children projects you are doing this year.

Finally, I hope to see you at Fall Conference and other District happenings. I have a Young Children table in the exhibit hall with lots of educational materials and project ideas which I hope you will share with your Kiwanis Club. I look forward to meeting each of you in the near future!

Sincerely,


Ava Adams, District Chair
Young Children
Scarborough, Maine
New England Bermuda District
email: faithava2008@yahoo.com

YCPO - September, 2019

Good Morning Fellow Kiwanians! 

Does your Club have a Signature Project 

(Re curing, Brand enhancing, High impact, Membership focused) which connects your Club to your community? When community members see “Fishing Derby” do they say “Kiwanis”? 

This month I will focus on SIGNATURE project ideas. Here we go! 

Lexington Pre-School (Scottsburg Kiwanis Club, Indiana) 

The community of Lexington, IN determined the need for a pre-school for it's children to improve their performance when they enter elementary school. The small community of Lexington (parents, business leaders, church groups, volunteers) came together to create a new pre-school (staff, equipment, facility, teachers, supplies, etc). Various community groups in Scott County came together to provide what was needed as the committee identified its requirements. We purchased supplies to assist in the opening of the pre-school. 

Mad Hatter Children's Tea Party (Kiwanis Club of Solvay-Geddes-Camillus, New York)

To provide an afternoon of silliness and fun for girls and boys between the ages of 3 and 8 (of course any age was welcome). It also fulfilled a reading experience for these children as we had a storyteller, the Queen of Hearts, narrate a young child's version of Alice in Wonderland as the story was acted out by our Mad Hatter characters sitting at a long Mad Hatter's table in the middle of "Wonderland". The characters in the skit were the Mad Hatter, Alice, March Hare, White Rabbit, Doormouse, Cheshire Cat, and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. 

While tickets were sold to attend the event, this is not a fundraiser. 

Park Independence (Kiwanis Club of Lafayette, LA) 

 Park Independence was a multi- year project to raise funds, plan, design & construct the first playground in Lafayette specifically designed so that all children can play together regardless of ability. 

The entire park is designed to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A child on a wheelchair can ride all the way up to the park from the parking lot, enter the park and ramp up for a ride on the playground equipment itself. 

“We even have a swing designed to accommodate a wheelchair, so that even the simple joy of swinging on a swing can be had by a wheelchair-bound child,” club member Kevin Domingue says. “We also have special entrances and exits to the park so itʼs easy for parents and guardians to keep watch over their children who might tend to stray from the park. Our intent is to eliminate barriers and create a place where all children can play together—regardless of abilities.”

Children's Books Distribution (Kiwanis Club of Huntington, NY)

One member collects gently used children's books, largely left from 2 church fairs, sorts them by age and condition, and distributes them to organizations that serve children. This year, the books were donated to the Dolan Family Health Center, which serves largely uninsured and under-insured Huntington residents. The books are used as an important part of the Dolan's Reach Out and Read Program, which is a nationally recognized program, in which the pediatrician's office takes an active role in the promotion of early literacy. The program consists of having books available in the waiting room for the children to look at, volunteers reading to children in the waiting room, training pediatric clinicians in the importance of literacy, and giving each child a developmentally and culturally appropriate book to take home at each well visit.

Joy of Reading (Kiwanis Club of Denbigh, VA)

Club members read weekly to children 3-5 years of age at Newport News School System's Early Childhood Center. Club distributes free books twice a year to over 600 children. 

Worlds Greatest Baby Shower (The Kiwanis club of the University City, Florida) 

The event is held at a local middle school, breakfast and lunch are provided. We invite 30 exhibitors to participate and arrange for 10-12 presenters to do educational offerings such as breast feeding, safety in the home, shaken baby, kids in the kitchen, etc. The expectation is the participants will attend 4 presentations and at the end of the presentation each participant will be given a ticket. After lunch everyone will go to the auditorium for drawings for door prizes. The prizes are baby items such as quilts and gift cards to Wal-Mart. Each participant is given a goody bag as they leave. 

Baby Crib recycling project (Kiwanis Club of Carmel Golden K, Indiana) 

Many cribs are being shipped to Malawi in southeastern Africa to be used for over a 1,000 orphans there. Others are being recycled into articles such as benches for sale as a fundraiser by our club's woodworking shop. 

ABC Summer Reading Program (Kiwanis Club of Monroe Downtown, Michigan) 

Our program is meant to keep student's brains active in the summer so that they will not be at a disadvantage when they start school. We do this through fun books and activities that are not too taxing. We focus on developing a theme that allows us to give the kids fun, but in-depth information. We also want to use a theme that will introduce students to concepts that they will later have to learn in school. We strongly feel that students develop more creative skills and grasp information better when they are introduced to information repeatedly and when that introduction is fun. 

SHOES FOR KIDS, Port Charlotte Sunrise Kiwanis Club, Port Charlotte, Florida

Every year more than 5600 pairs of sneakers are distributed to children in need from preschool age through high school in in 23 schools in Charlotte County. Money is raised through sponsorship in the annual Golf Tournament, Tennis Tournament, other fundraisers and support from local businesses and personal donations. An annual collection drive of new sneakers is held during the month of July throughout Charlotte County. Club members place collection boxes in local businesses, and in retirement communities. Shoes are distributed throughout the year to those in need.

More Young  Children service project ideas 

Adopt a family

Many families receive assistance during the holidays, but what about the rest of the year? By February, these families are running out of the household items they received at Christmas. Ask your local food pantries, churches or homeless shelters who and how you can help now.

Collect sports equipment for kids

Many families donʼt have the resources they need to buy the equipment their kids need to stay safe while theyʼre being active. Collect new or gently used balls, gloves, bats, tricycles,  helmets and more and donate them to your local preschool or to an organization.

Rehab a playground 

Team up with Kiwanis-family members to pull weeds, spread new mulch, paint old equipment, fix broken swings or whatever else needs to be done. Need to start from scratch? team up with KaBOOM.

Make Blankets

The Key Club at Chesaning Union High School (Michigan) recently made 100 no-sew fleece blankets for residents of a domestic violence shelter. Use their idea as inspiration and create your own blankets to donate to an organization (PROJECT LINUS) in your community.

Become a Storybook lady or man

Volunteer at your local library or community center and read childrenʼs classics. Liven up story time even more when you dress the part. Choose a tiara, hat, clown nose or animal ears.

Run an activities booth 

Does your community have an expo, fair or parade coming up? Make your booth the most popular of all with games, crafts and face painting for children age 3 and up.

Give the gift of mobility 

The Kiwanis Club of Waitukubuli (Dominica) purchased a wheelchair for a child with cerebral palsy. What could you and your club do to help a child in your community?.

Team up with a Service Partner 

Work with one of the Kiwanis-familyʼs partners on a ready-made service project. Choose from Boys and Girls Clubs of America, UNICEF, March of Dimes,Childrenʼs Miracle Network, Scholastic Books and others.

Pancake breakfast for a cause

 Scholastic Reading Oasis installation

 Kiwanis naming rights; Kiwanis logo stamped in each book; media event for grand opening Number of children served by reading oasis; monies raised to build reading oasis; number of service hours donated by volunteers.

Bike safety clinic

Collaborate with local police or fire department for elevated public relations; Kiwanis banner at event; volunteers in Kiwanis logo shirts; media event.

I know many clubs are doing Young Children Projects.Does your Club have a Young Children Signature Project?  I would welcome news of all your Young Children  Projects. I would like to share your successes through my Newsletters with all the clubs in our District. So please email information about your  projects. It’s important to share ideas so other Clubs may help young children in their communities too!

It has been a pleasure serving you this year as Young Children District Chair. Thank you for your tireless dedication to Kiwanis and to serving the children of your communities and the world. We DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE; one child and one community at a time.

Ava Adams, District Chair

Young Children

New England and Bermuda District

email: faithava2008@yahoo.com

YCPO - August 2019

Young Children Newsletter August 2019

Good morning fellow Kiwanians!

Recently at the Kiwanis International Convention in Orlando I attended “A Global Health Update” session with Dr. John Button and Dr. Wil Blechman, Past International Presidents, including an update on Maternal  Neonatal Tetanus Elimination(MMT), and an update on Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD). Kiwanis has a partnership with UNICEF  to complete these global initiatives. And both projects are “Young Children”  Projects...improving and saving the lives of young children throughout the world.

Iodine Deficiency Disorder(IDD)

Since 1994 when this program began, members and clubs have contributed more than $105M  toward the global elimination of IDD. IDD  is the leading preventable cause of mental and developmental disabilities in the world. The solution to this problem is supporting salt ionization plants and distribution, testing and monitoring, and community outreach and education.

UNICEF has reported that Kiwanis-based funds are now at work in more than 89 nations and more than 80 million children globally will be born free of IDD this year. The number of households estimated to be consuming iodized salt has jumped dramatically from 20% in 1990 to 70%  today.  This health  program is heralded as one of the most successful health initiatives in the world.

The Kiwanis and UNICEF partnership raised awareness of the problem, motivated  governments and industries to act so that millions of children have been protected from IDD. BUT there is still work to be done so that ALL children 

are born free of IDD, and UNICEF is still hard at work throughout the world dealing with this issue.

Maternal Neonatal Tetanus Eliminate (MNT)

Since 2010 when Kiwanis joined forces with UNICEF over 153 million women have been vaccinated with two or more doses of the tetanus vaccine. The disease has been eliminated in 49 countries. Today MNT remains a deadly threat in 13 countries. One baby dies every 17 minutes from MNT. Its effects are excruciating — tiny newborns suffer repeated, painful convulsions and extreme sensitivity to light and touch. MNT is a swift and painful killer disease that killed 30,848 newborns in 2017 alone.

Today the women and newborns dying of tetanus live in Africa (9countries), Middle East (3countries) and Asia Pacific (Papua New Guinea). These women are poor, have little access to health care, and have little information about safe delivery practices. 

UNICEF and it’s partners have combated MNT worldwide through education, outreach and mass immunization drives. In addition to delivering tetanus vaccines to even the most remote areas by any means necessary...including on horseback or on foot with coolers to keep the vaccines viable... UNICEF has trained midwives  in safe birthing practices and distributed safe birthing kits along with prenatal care and a wide range of other maternal and newborn health services. Once a woman of child-bearing age is immunized, her new born baby is protected for a few months, and then needs to be immunized.

To date over $88M cash has been raised with a goal of $110M. The cost per woman to be fully vaccinated is $1.80...$1.80 will save a life! As of 2018 approximately 96% reduction of deaths from tetanus has been achieved since 1998.

But, there is still work to be done! Elimination of tetanus deaths can be achieved by the end of 2020  WORLDWIDE IF funds are raised to reach the goal of $110 M. Of the 13 countries where UNICEF  is working today to eliminate MNT 10 countries have pockets of areas where women need to be vaccinated.  The other 3 countries have significant work to be done!

HOW CAN KIWANIANS HELP?

At the  International Convention Kiwanians were challenged to help with a matching fund opportunity. 

915  Kiwanians stepped up and with their generosity over $314,000 was raised.  With another 85 donors an additional $75,000. can be raised. 

Donations  will help children in places like Sudan, where 91% of newborns are susceptible to brain damage because their mothers lack iodized salt. Contributions  will also help get needed tetanus vaccines to women in countries like Nigeria, where babies still needlessly die of this preventable disease.

If you or your Club would like to  donate on line  (copy and paste in your browser)

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/kifeli2/

Or

Checks an be  made payable to:

MNT/IDD

Mail to:

Kiwanis Children's Fund

P.O. Box 6457 - Dept #286

Indianapolis, IN 46206

Thank you for your help and support!

Ava Adams, District Chair

Committee on Young Children

New England and Bermuda District

email: faithava2008@yahoo.com

YCPO - July 2019

Young Children Newsletter, July 2019

A Great Young Children SERVICE PROJECT

Provide activity packets for children inEmergency Room waiting areas.1) for older children 6-8 yrs that can read and do simple word search puzzles, mazes, tic tac doe, and more intricate coloring sheets. 2) for 3-5 yr olds with very simple coloring sheets etc. Each activity packet was placed in a Manila envelope and labelled “Busy Bee”. A Kiwanis label can be placed on the envelope. The Club involved their Key Club to help stuff the envelopes and decorate them.

For questions please contact

Reona Dyess

Kiwanis Club of New London CT.

ppeabody321@att.net 

PARENT EDUCATION AND SUPPORT

AUTISM EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

Fact: Autism affects one in 68 children each year including 1 in 42 boys and their families.

(www.myasdf.org)

Autism is becoming a global problem; more children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the U.S. Early detection means earlier access to intervention during sensitive brain development. Most children today are diagnosed between the age of 3 and 6 rears. Approximately 75% to 86% of those children who receive early intervention services between the ages of 2 and 7 will develop some form of functional communication by age 9. It would be most beneficial to the child if diagnosis were to occur by 18 months of age. By detecting and diagnosing these disorders early on, intervention can be initiated earlier and positive results can occur. Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention. The U.S. cost of autism over the lifespan is about $2.4 million for a person with an intellectual disability, or $1.4 million for a person without intellectual disability

The latest look at autism in the U.S. shows a startling 30 percent jump among 8-year-olds diagnosed with the disorder in a two-year period, to one in every 68 children  (including 1 in 42 boys) will be diagnosed with this disorder.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which did the survey, says the numbers almost certainly reflect more awareness and diagnosis of kids who would have been missed in years past.

“The number of children diagnosed with autism continues to rise,” the agency’s Dr. Coleen Boyle told reporters.

But the CDC noted that the numbers vary greatly from state to state, and it did not use a nationally representative sample, but a look at groups of children in 11 states.

There is NO link between autism and childhood vaccines, a major new study finds.

The systematic international review, first of its kind, conducted by University of Sydney researchers reports “No statistical data to support a link between vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough and the development of autism or autism spectrum disorders.”www.myasdf.org)

WHAT CAN KIWANIS CLUBS DO?

•   CONTACT the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (www.myasdf.org) for materials to distribute to pediatricians, clinics, parenting classes etc.  Autism rates today are 3 to 4 times higher than 30 years ago. It is imperative that we increase public awareness of the effects of autism on individuals and families. EDUCATE THE PULBIC!

•   SUPPORT Camp Scholarships (run by ASDF)  which allow autistic children the opportunity to explore new horizons and develop social skills. 

DOWNS SYNDROME

www.ndss.org

Fact:  Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome.

(www.ndss.org)

 Down syndrome occurs when some or all of a person’s cells have an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

   

There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States in people of all races and economic levels.

     

The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

      

 People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

WHAT CAN KIWANIS CLUBS DO?

1   Donate

2   Shop NDSS

3   Partner

4   Attend an Event

5.  Organize a Buddy Walk Event

•    The Buddy Walk was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by parent support groups, schools and other organizations and individuals.

•    Over the past sixteen years, the Buddy Walk program has grown from 17 walks to nearly 300 across the country and around the world. Last year alone, 285,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk! They raised more than $11.2 million to benefit local programs and services as well as the national advocacy initiatives that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.

•    The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is an inspirational and educational event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support,  join a Buddy Walk in your local community!

•   BUDDY WALKS CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR; CHECK THE WEBSITE. THERE ARE WALKS GOING ON IN NEW ENGLAND IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2019.

I hope that your Club can find one new project to do from all the information  I am including in my newsletters. If one new Young Children Project is completed, then I have achieved my goal.  Of course I hope we all do more! We have lots of work to do;  let's  just do it!

Ava Adams, District Chair

Young Children Committee

New England and Bermuda District of Kiwanis

email: faithava2008@yahoo.com

YCPO - June 2019

June 2019 Young Children Newsletter

Good Morning fellow Kiwanians! 

Fact: Every year 60% of drownings occur in rural lakes, ponds and gravel pits.

Fact: Preventable injury is the number one killer of children in most developed countries.

Fact: In a single year more than 14 million children in the U.S. are injured seriously enough to require medical treatment.

Fact: Heat is much more dangerous to children than it is to adults. When left in a hot vehicle, a young child’s core body temperature can increase three to five times faster than that of an adult, which can cause permanent injury or even death. (“Children In And Around Cars” www.safekids.org)

SAFETY AND PEDIATRIC TRAUMA

It only takes one accident to permanently injure or kill a child. That is why parents and children need safety education. In the United States alone, several thousand children age 4 and under die each year because of accidental injuries. Forty-five times that number are hospitalized. The leading causes of death for children 1 to 4 years old are motor vehicles, fires/ burns, drowning, choking, poisonings and falls. When a serious accident does occur, special expertise and equipment may be needed to save the child’s life. That is why a pediatric trauma center should be linked to every community. Now that summer is quickly approaching, there are many potential projects that can be done to educate the public and help prevent injuries while kids are enjoying their summer vacation.

HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST***

The Home Safety Checklist Brochure is designed to help protect family members from unintentional injuries. It is designed to be an easy room-to-room survey that will quickly point out dangers that need to be changed immediately. It covers the kitchen, basement and garages, outdoor play areas, bathroom, child's bedroom, play areas, windows, stairs and railings, electrical outlets, and fixtures, and general living areas.

 WHAT CAN KIWANIS CLUBS DO?

Distribute this brochure to Pediatricians, Clinics, Day Care Center,

Health Fairs, Pre-school Programs, Health Department, Hospitals that offer Prenatal Classes or New Mom Classes.

OPEN WATER SAFETY***

This brochure covers tips for open water safety: never swim in drainage ditches, what to do in an emergency situation if a child is struggling in the water or if a child is unconscious in the water etc.

Distribute this brochure to schools, day care centers, Fire/Police Departments, Fishing Derby, any organized family day sponsored by Kiwanis, pool supply stores, public beach concession stands.

Set up a car seat program***

Kiwanis clubs can make sure that safety seats are available to everyone in the community by setting up a car seat loan program. This involves purchasing or securing donations of new car seats, establishing a location (car dealership, hospital, police station) from which the seats will be loaned or given, establishing the criteria for providing a seat to a family and making sure the people handing out the car seats have the training to install them properly.

Educate the community about scald burns***  

Smoke Alarm Safety

One-third of the smoke detectors installed in houses don’t work. If a fire occurs, they won’t make a sound, because most smoke alarms still contain their original batteries. A simple project can solve this problem: an annual campaign for everyone to check the batteries in their smoke detectors. This can involve ads in the local paper or distribution of fliers. This campaign can be expanded to include distribution of batteries and smoke detectors in neighborhoods.

Distribute Choke-Test Tubes

An adult learns about an object by looking at it. A young child learns about it by putting it in his mouth. Telling a toddler to stop putting objects in his mouth has little or no effect. The proper safety precaution is to make sure the child doesn’t play with toys on which he could choke, and there is a device—called a choke- test tube—that helps parents determine this. If a toy or the

smallest piece of a toy fit inside the tube, it is unsafe for children age 3 and under. The federal government has established a size for safe toys for kids under 3: A small part should be at least 1.25 inch diameter and 2.25 inch long. Any part smaller than this is a potential choking hazard. When parents shop for a toy, they need to make sure it has no parts smaller than these dimensions. Inexpensive,

clear plastic tubes that parents can use to test small parts are available from stores specializing in children’s toys and furnishings. A toilet paper roll or other empty cardboard tube would also work to test toys if a choke-test tube is unavailable. Distributing the tubes and educating parents could be a project by itself, or it could be part of a parenting fair.

Support A Pediatric Trauma Program

****KIWANIS PEDIATRIC TRAUMA INSTITUTE (KPTI) is supported by the Kiwanis Foundation of New England and other sponsors. Materials are available from KPTI which deal with prevention. ***materials available from KPTI

Other safety brochures available from KPTI

Window Safety

Summer Safety

Pedestrian Safety

Water Safety

Holiday/Winter Safety

Fire Safety

After School Safety

Poison Information

Car Safety In And Around Cars

Nearly 10% of motor vehicle related deaths DO NOT occur on public highways or in vehicular accidents or traffic, but happen in parking lots, driveways or when children are left unattended in vehicles. This is a serious public health issue and these deaths are totally preventable.

NEVER LEAVE A CHILD ALONE IN OR NEAR A CAR

From 1998 to 2010, more than 494 children – most of them 2 years old and younger – died from heat stroke after being left or becoming trapped in a car.

These deaths fall into three main categories: children who were trapped while playing in a vehicle without supervision; children who were accidentally left behind; and children who were intentionally left alone in a car.

Leaving a child in a vehicle for a “quick” errand is a huge mistake. A delay of just a few minutes on a warm day can lead to tragedy.

SPOT THE TOT

Each year almost 2,500 children ages 1 to 14 go to emergency rooms with injuries sustained from a vehicle backing up. On average, another 230 kids in that same age group die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Danger can come from any direction, and children should never play in driveways, in parking lots or on sidewalks when vehicles are present.

PREVENTING TRUNK ENTRAPMENT

For many kids, a car trunk looks like a fun place to play or hide. Tragically, many families have discovered that kids can get in but they can’t always get out. A trunk can be deadly for an unattended child.

Children can access trunks in several ways, even without having the vehicle’s keys. Most cars have a lever or button located near the driver’s seat that pops the trunk open, while other cars also have fold-down seats or a “pass through” that enables children to climb into the trunk from the back seat. Always lock all vehicle doors. For more information, a brochure and checklist for parents, go to www.safekids.org

Kiwanis Clubs can help by increasing public awareness of problems of children and car safety

– distribute information at grocery stores, to childcare centers, pediatrician’s offices etc.

I hope there is at least one project that motivates you to do more for our children to promote safety in our communities. Imagine the lives and money we could save by promoting prevention education to parents and families. With the high cost of hospitalization, insurance and emergency room care today in the U.S. we could all do

our part to educate parents to keep their children safe and possibly lower rising health care costs.

Please remember that without the support of the Kiwanis Foundation of New England the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center Programs could not function.

So I hope your Club will consider making a donation to the KFNE, and if you wish the money to go to KPTI you can indicate “KPTI” on the memo line of your check. Kiwanis Clubs need to support these programs if we wish them to continue.

Kiwanis Foundation of New England

P.O. Box 2307

Westfield, MA 01086

Sincerely,

Ava Adams, District Chair

Young Children Committee

New England and Bermuda District

email: faithava2008@yahoo.com